The Prince George's County Board of Appeals on Oct. 8, 2025, voted 3-0 to approve a variance for Jeffrey and Jimenez Jackson Lucas that validates existing conditions and permits a revised porch/roof overhang at their Capitol Heights property, clearing a final administrative hurdle so the Lucas family can move forward with rehab work funded through a housing program.

Board members approved the variance despite a stop-work order issued by the City of Seat Pleasant. County inspector Swan told the board the stop-work order was issued by the city, not the county, and that the county expects all required permits to be obtained before a stop-work order can be released. "The stop work that was issued, at that property was not issued by the county. It it was issued by the city of C. Pleasant," Inspector Swan told the panel.

Dorothea Parker of Housing Initiative Partnership, which is assisting the Lucases through a housing rehabilitation assistance program, said the household has been approved for a loan and the variance is the "last piece" needed before construction can begin. "The Lucas is actually approved for a loan to move forward. This is the last piece that we need before we can actually start construction rehabilitation on their home," Parker said.

The Lucases described the project as replacing a deteriorated metal roof that was damaged in a storm with a new roof and a covered porch that projects farther than the previous roof. Their contractor, Ryan Lansdowne, told the board that a stop-work order was issued after work began and that neighbor encroachment and a prior survey discrepancy complicated the permitting process. "...they put a stop work order on there so that's part of it we had to you know once that's done have to go through, you know, Prince George's County also to get it lifted with the new set of plans," Lansdowne said.

Vice Chair Johnston moved to approve the applicant's request for variance v31-25; Member Stanton seconded. Chair Boulware, Vice Chair Johnston and Member Stanton all voted "aye" and the motion carried 3-0. Board staff told the Lucases staff will follow up with them on next steps; the written order from the board must be presented to the county permits office before a building permit will be processed.

The board emphasized that approval of a variance does not guarantee that other government authorities will lift stop-work orders or issue construction permits; applicants must satisfy county permitting requirements and any outstanding city conditions. Housing Initiative Partnership said the project had program funding in place, and the Lucases and their contractor said they will work with county staff to resolve outstanding permit and stop-work issues.